I have had Merkur 34c before and it came slightly defective with the chrome being bubbled just above the threading on the top cap. I just used it and over a couple years the chrome plating came off the corners revealing a black base metal that chipped off. Still able to be used but not very nice looking at all within a couple years of purchase. I received this 34g on January 3rd. It has been very lightly used because I bought another razor At the exact same time that is stainless steel. Today is February 3rd and to my surprise , the gold finish is already coming off just above the threading on the top plate. Again I am seeing black base metal . At this rate , there is no way the gold finish lasts. I paid 64 dollars for this and at that price , this is a little disappointing. I think I will be purchasing stainless steel razors from now on. They last a lifetime , I can get them from China for half the price in some cases and they look great forever. Very disappointing because this razor shaves very nicely the bad chrome work doesn't justify paying 64 dollars for it. I would recommend just getting 34c because it's the same razor except cheaper.

This was a Christmas gift, I had requested a DE razor as I have recently become interested in wet shaving as an alternative to disposable / multi blade cartridges, which have caused me a problem with irritation and burn almost all of my adult life. And so the adventure begins... It took me around 7 days to get used to it to be fair (advice for other beginners-hot shower, always warm the blade, max. 1 inch strokes on each pass, and get an anti-irritation cream for -pre and -post shave in case you make aggressive razor contact with the skin, no PRESSURE needed!), and to learn the proper techniques etc. (watch some videos on youtube) and I am now getting the closest shave I could want with no irritation, cuts, or burns and when I calculate how much I will save in the long-run, it is pretty amazing. This product looks very classy in the bathroom, fits in my leather toilet bag for travel and as a heavy duty razor I imagine it being with me for the rest of my living days, keeping the classic retro look, which I love! Stay away from the high street brands, get into wet shaving:- the products are better value, better for your skin, come with great scents, and come with a heritage and class that is a pleasure to re-discover. Brilliant gift.

I spent a little more money and got the Merkur 34G (gold). This is considered a relatively mild razor, so it's great for beginners. BUT...not just for beginners. This beautiful razor will last a lifetime. You will be able to hand this down to your first born male child and he will remember you forever. Absolutely wonderful German quality. Seriously, if you don't know much about double edge razors, this is the best of the best. If you wanted to save some money or you don't like gold, get the silver model...the 34c. It's the exact same razor, but less money. Ive been in the razor game for a few years now. Here's my recommendation: Get the Merkur 34c or 34g (both are high quality mild razors). Also buy the Muhle R4; the highest quality German aggressive razor. Then, for trimming mustaches, etc. get yourself the Parker srx straight (shavette) razor. Then you're set for life.

This gorgeous two-piece safety razor is my first real, metal safety razor. Switching from disposable, hot pink, overpriced, plastic, multi-blade, nick-inducing Venus Gillette razors, I expected a big learning curve with this one. However, it's so simple to use, elegant and well-weighted. Upon my first full time using it in the shower, I had a nice complete, clean shave without a single nick! As a not so overly aggressive razor, it's ideal also for delicate regions. I'm absolutely in love with this gorgeous, effective, life-changing razor and want to get everyone I know and care about one of these as a gift! I wasn't paid for this review; I just really, really love this classy, effective razor and cannot stop telling my friends about it!